Man Receives Life Sentence for Raping Teenage Girl in Karachi
In a recent verdict, a sessions court in Karachi’s Orangi Town sentenced Muhammad Ali to life in prison for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 2020. Additional Sessions Judge-X (West), Irshad Hussain, delivered the verdict after reviewing evidence and arguments from both sides.
The prosecution successfully established Ali’s guilt beyond a doubt, leading to a life imprisonment sentence. Additionally, Ali was fined Rs200,000 or faced further imprisonment. According to the prosecution, Ali kidnapped the girl under the guise of providing spiritual healing and subsequently raped her.
The case was filed under sections 365-B (kidnapping or inducing a woman for forced marriage, etc.) and 376 (punishment for rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code at the Iqbal Market police station.
Sindh High Court Demands Funding Details from Inactive Domestic Violence Commission, Warns of Legal Action
The Sindh High Court, led by Acting Chief Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, expressed frustration over the inactivity of the Domestic Violence Prevention Commission. The court demanded information on commission funding and its lack of action and set an October 18 deadline for the Attorney General of Sindh to provide these details.
The petitioner, Khush Bakht Shah, highlighted that despite the 2013 Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill, no officers or protection committees have been established. The court questioned why committees were not formed, to which the petitioner cited a lack of government funding. The court criticized the commission’s inaction and questioned how employees were paid if there were no funds.
The Attorney General assured that funds were available and promised to inform the court. The court also inquired if a letter had been sent to the Secretary of Finance regarding funds. The Acting Chief Justice raised concerns about the commission’s functionality and the allocation of salaries to its staff if it wasn’t actively preventing violence. The petitioner criticized the government for not protecting female victims of domestic violence, and the court warned of potential legal action if the government did not respond appropriately. The court adjourned the hearing until October 18 to await information about commission funds and other details.
Lingering issue of missing persons ‘embarrasses’ court
During a hearing involving approximately a dozen petitions related to missing persons, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq expressed embarrassment that the issue has persisted for years. The remark was made during a discussion regarding the disappearance of journalist Mudassir Naru, who went missing during a trip to the northern areas. His wife had filed a case with the Islamabad High Court around five years ago but passed away in the interim. Naru’s young son now attends court proceedings.
During Thursday’s proceedings, the division bench consisting of CJ Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb highlighted that enforced disappearances were damaging Pakistan’s reputation and sought the assistance of the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) to resolve the long-standing issue. Justice Aurangzeb emphasized the gravity of the matter, stating that it brings disrepute to the country, and suggested that the AGP meet with the caretaker prime minister to address the issue. The court issued a notice to the AGP and adjourned the hearing.